Dear Santa: Norma Kamali's Holiday Give and Get List

By Chris Frey
December 24, 2010

Nora Kamali “All women have changed since I started designing in 1967. Hello 'Madmen!'” says fashion designer Norma Kamali. “But the woman I design for is basically the same. She loves being a woman, has an individual style but wants comfort and practicality, although you would never know it,” given the deceptively sexy-but-cozy pieces Norma Kamali churns out.

Peruse countless press clippings on Norma Kamali’s website from every major fashion magazine published in the last 40 years and you will see the word "innovator" used over and over to describe the fashion designer, and fittingly so. Norma Kamali's fearless experimentation and willingness to take risks has helped her reap numerous fashion awards, including a star on 7th Avenue’s Fashion Walk of Fame and, this year, an honorary doctorate from her Alma Mater, New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT.)

In recent years, Norma Kamali has become a champion for the use of technology in every aspect of her business, from her use of video and Internet broadcasts to her iPhone app, a virtual eBay store, and most recently, the ability for customers to use a 2D barcode scanner to shop her lines through the window of her midtown Manhattan boutique. “This is an amazing time to live on Planet Earth,” Norma Kamali told us. “I love innovation and forward thinking, and feel excited about each day’s new invention.”

The Norma Kamali Collection

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Shirred Dress, Mesh "Tara" Gown
Photo Credit: all images courtesy of Norma Kamali
Poly-Chiffon Plaid Convertible Gown
Swimwear
Slip Fishtail Gown
Studded Skirt, Parachute Victorian Jacket
Shawl Collar Jacket, Dress

During Fashion Week of September 2009, Norma Kamali launched her iPhone app at an event she called “The Democratization of Fashion” in New York’s Apple store in Soho. The Smartphone app allows access to all of Kamali’s fashion collections, as well as the eBay store and her collection for Walmart, where most items retail under $20. “It’s the technology that is so important, but it’s also about great value, mixing brands and prices,” Norma Kamali told us of why she chose the term "democratic." She continued, citing the Internet's role in making information accessible to anyone: “The bloggers are now in the front row [during Fashion Week presentations] alongside the fashion press and it is all good!”

Nora Kamali Fashion Designer Kamali has always been ahead of her time. Years before it became acceptable - even stylish to wear athletic and yoga clothing outside of the gym, Norma Kamali made sweats fashion forward. She inspired countless copy-cats when, in the 1970’s, she designed using sleeping bags and parachute fabric, elevating the materials with her couture-quality construction and avant-garde silhouettes. She created “packables” that were pieces designed to allow for hassle free travel: lightweight, wrinkle-free and with wardrobe mileage; some pieces could be worn up to 30 unique ways.

And of course, there’s Norma Kamali's swimwear. In 1977, a Christie Brinkley cover for Cosmopolitan magazine, shot by legendary fashion photographer Francesco Scavullo, catapulted her "Pull Bikini" into fashion superstardom. Over 30 years have passed and Norma Kamali's swimwear continues to dictate the fashion industry.

Norma Kamali shows the same unwavering commitment to her designer fashion collection as she does to her Wellness café, which shares space in her store. At the café, customers can pick up Norma Kamali's own olive-oil-based product line (she is a proponent of the oil's healing properties) and hear experts speak about healthy living on what she calls "Wellness Wednesdays." “My job has always been to make women feel good and look good, and through that, empower them to be whoever they want to be," Kamali said. "Doing that through clothes is wonderful and now doing that through wellness is perfect. I saw so many changes in my own lifestyle when I eliminated processed foods, added meaningful workouts and good products…that I want to share all I can with other women."

A native New Yorker, Norma Kamali continues to give back to the community that she feels so generously allowed her to achieve her dreams as a fashion designer. She reflects, “As a public school student who, without a scholarship, would not have been able to move forward with my education after high school I am eternally grateful for those in the community that made it possible for me to earn grants and scholarships. It’s now my turn to give back, and the funny things is that I get so much more than I give. My cup keeps filling!” Nora Kamali

In October of this year, designer Norma Kamali kicked off a yearlong commitment as a Pencil Partner with Gramercy Arts, located in Washington Irving High School, Kamali's alma mater. While she has generously helped the school for 17 years by volunteering her time and helping with architectural renovations, the Pencil Project will allow her to give students personal advice on career and college development.

Considering Norma Kamali’s limitless generosity of spirit, we weren’t entirely surprised that when we asked her to share what she will be giving this holiday season, her reply was “LOVE!” And when we suggested she share her ultimate wish list, she simply replied “MORE LOVE!” So we decided to put together a small sampling of gifts inspired by Kamali’s answers. On this Christmas Eve day, we bring you love (and Merry Christmas). Top and Right Images: Catsuit Foil Leggings

While "LOVE" is certainly enough for Norma Kamali (and for all of us), in the spirit of love, here are a few things she might give and get if pressed to elaborate.

Roll over items for details

Terrarium

Heart Dish

Baccarat Heart Paperweight

Organic Yoga Mat

Olive Oil Soap

Gold Signet Ring

Dear Santa: Norma Kamali's Holiday Give and Get List

GIVING

1. Coffee Table Book: Who doesn't love to let her imagination run wild? A thoughtful, beautiful coffee table book will transport the owner every time she opens it.

2. Baccarat Heart Paperweight: A gorgeous indulgence—perfect for a colleague she's grateful to.

3. Heart Dish: Organic walnuts, cashews and almonds are on the menu at Norma Kamali's Wellness Cafe. How about a pretty dish to place them in?

4. Vintage Luggage: For her nearest and dearest, perhaps a set of luggage (hey, maybe even a trip?) to go with those "packables"?

5. Antique Locket: A timeless expression of love.

GETTING

6. Organic Yoga Mat: Given her devotion to the health of the body, mind and spirit, we imagine Kamali would love to receive a brand new yoga mat, especially one made from recycled materials.

7. Olive Oil Soap: Kamali loves the properties found in olives. Simple soaps like these are at the root of Kamali's own product line.

8. Terrarium: What to give the woman who claims she has everything? An old-fashioned terrarium displays plants (and collectibles) beautifully.

9. Karaoke Machine: Kamali's Wellness cafe offers karaoke because, according to the designer, "singing is good for your health." Might she appreciate a new machine?

10. Gold Signet Ring: A simple signet ring is as timeless as Kamali's signature styles, and pairs with anything from a sleeping bag coat to Norma Kamali swimwear.

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